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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 8:9 For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/8-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/18_Job_08_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 8:9 - Bildad: Job Should Repent" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/8-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/8-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad9.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/8-8.htm" title="Job 8:8">◄</a> Job 8:9 <a href="/job/8-10.htm" title="Job 8:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />for we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For we were born but yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For we are but of yesterday and know nothing, for our days on earth are a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />(For we <i>are but of</i> yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth <i>are</i> a shadow:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For we <i>were born</i> yesterday, and know nothing, Because our days on earth <i>are</i> a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“For we are <i>only</i> of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are as a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220For we are only of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are as a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“For we are <i>only</i> of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are as a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For we are <i>only</i> of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are <i>but</i> a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“For we are <i>only</i> of yesterday and know nothing, Because our days on earth are [like] a shadow [just a breath or a vapor].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />since we were born only yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are but a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />since we were born only yesterday and know nothing. Our days on earth are but a shadow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, Because our days upon earth are a shadow);<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Our own time has been short, like a fading shadow, and we know very little. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />We have only been around since yesterday, and we know nothing. Our days on earth are only a fleeting shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Our life is short, we know nothing at all; we pass like shadows across the earth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Because we are of yesterday and we know nothing, for our time on earth is only a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For we were born yesterday and do not have knowledge, since our days on earth are but a shadow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow.) <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />For we [are] of yesterday, and we do not know, "" For our days [are] a shadow on earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> (For of yesterday we are, and we know not, For a shadow are our days on earth.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />(For yesterday are we and we shall not know, for our days upon earth are a shadow:)<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />(For we are but of yesterday, and are ignorant that our days upon earth are but a shadow:) <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />(of course, we are but of yesterday and are ignorant that our days on earth are like a shadow,)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />As we are but of yesterday and have no knowledge, because our days on earth are but a shadow— <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />for we are but of yesterday, and we know nothing, for our days on earth are but a shadow.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are like a shadow;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />For we are of yesterday; we know nothing, and our days on the Earth are like a shadow<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, Because our days upon earth are a shadow--<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />(for we are of yesterday, and know nothing; for our life upon the earth is a shadow:)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/8-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=1203" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/8.htm">Bildad: Job Should Repent</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">For</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: ’ă·naḥ·nū (Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">we were born</a> <a href="/hebrew/8543.htm" title="8543: ṯə·mō·wl (Adv) -- Or tmol; probably for 'ethmowl; properly, ago, i.e. A time since; especially yesterday, or day before yesterday.">yesterday</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: nê·ḏā‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">and know</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">nothing;</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mê·nū (N-mpc:: 1cp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">our days</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">on</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’ā·reṣ (N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">earth</a> <a href="/hebrew/6738.htm" title="6738: ṣêl (N-ms) -- A shadow. From tsalal; shade, whether literal or figurative.">are but a shadow.</a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>Will they not teach you and tell you, and speak from their understanding?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5</a></span><br />You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-10.htm">Psalm 90:10</a></span><br />The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-15.htm">Psalm 103:15-16</a></span><br />As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; / when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/1-4.htm">Ecclesiastes 1:4</a></span><br />Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a></span><br />For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-4.htm">Psalm 144:4</a></span><br />Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-8</a></span><br />A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/29-15.htm">1 Chronicles 29:15</a></span><br />For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/47-9.htm">Genesis 47:9</a></span><br />“My travels have lasted 130 years,” Jacob replied. “My years have been few and hard, and they have not matched the years of the travels of my fathers.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-18.htm">2 Corinthians 4:18</a></span><br />So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-13.htm">Hebrews 11:13</a></span><br />All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/2-17.htm">1 John 2:17</a></span><br />The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/12-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 12:7</a></span><br />before the dust returns to the ground from which it came and the spirit returns to God who gave it.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow:)</p><p class="hdg">we are but.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/7-6.htm">Job 7:6</a></b></br> My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/47-9.htm">Genesis 47:9</a></b></br> And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage <i>are</i> an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/29-15.htm">1 Chronicles 29:15</a></b></br> For we <i>are</i> strangers before thee, and sojourners, as <i>were</i> all our fathers: our days on the earth <i>are</i> as a shadow, and <i>there is</i> none abiding.</p><p class="hdg">nothing.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/5-7.htm">Born</a> <a href="/job/7-21.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/job/7-2.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/job/7-2.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-26.htm">Yesterday</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/11-12.htm">Born</a> <a href="/job/8-11.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/job/12-22.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/job/10-21.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/psalms/90-4.htm">Yesterday</a><div class="vheading2">Job 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/8-1.htm">Bildad shows God's justice in dealing with men according to their works.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/8-8.htm">He alleges antiquity to prove the certain destruction of the hypocrite.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">20. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/8-20.htm">He applies God's just dealing to Job.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For we were born yesterday</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the brevity and limitations of human life and understanding. In the context of the Book of Job, Bildad is speaking to Job, suggesting that human wisdom is insignificant compared to God's eternal knowledge. The expression "born yesterday" is a metaphor for inexperience and lack of understanding, highlighting the transient nature of human existence. This idea is echoed in other scriptures, such as <a href="/psalms/90-4.htm">Psalm 90:4</a>, which compares a thousand years in God's sight to a day that has just gone by. The phrase underscores the humility humans should have in acknowledging their limited perspective.<p><b>and know nothing;</b><br>This part of the verse points to the limitations of human knowledge. In the ancient Near Eastern context, wisdom was highly valued, yet Bildad argues that human wisdom is negligible compared to divine wisdom. This sentiment is reflected in <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>, which advises trusting in the Lord rather than relying on one's own understanding. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the fallibility of human reasoning, a theme that runs throughout the wisdom literature of the Bible, including Ecclesiastes, which often reflects on the futility of human endeavors without divine insight.<p><b>our days on earth are but a shadow.</b><br>The imagery of life as a shadow conveys the fleeting and insubstantial nature of human existence. Shadows are temporary and lack substance, symbolizing how quickly life passes. This metaphor is consistent with other biblical passages, such as <a href="/psalms/144-4.htm">Psalm 144:4</a>, which states, "Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow." The use of "shadow" also suggests the idea of life being insubstantial and transient, pointing to the need for reliance on God, who is eternal and unchanging. This concept is further developed in the New Testament, where life is described as a "vapor" in <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, emphasizing the urgency of living with an eternal perspective.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/b/bildad_the_shuhite.htm">Bildad the Shuhite</a></b><br>One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Bildad is speaking, offering his perspective on Job's suffering and the nature of God's justice.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/u/uz.htm">Uz</a></b><br>The land where Job lived. It is often associated with the region east of Israel, though its exact location is uncertain.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/suffering_and_divine_justice.htm">Suffering and Divine Justice</a></b><br>The broader context of the Book of Job, where the themes of human suffering, divine justice, and the search for understanding are explored.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/a/ancient_wisdom.htm">Ancient Wisdom</a></b><br>Bildad appeals to the wisdom of the ancients, suggesting that understanding comes from the past and the experiences of those who have gone before.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_humility_of_human_knowledge.htm">The Humility of Human Knowledge</a></b><br>Recognize the limitations of our understanding. Bildad's statement reminds us that human knowledge is finite and often insufficient to grasp the full scope of God's plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_brevity_of_life.htm">The Brevity of Life</a></b><br>Reflect on the transient nature of life. Our time on earth is short, and this should inspire us to live purposefully and in alignment with God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/value_of_ancient_wisdom.htm">Value of Ancient Wisdom</a></b><br>Appreciate the wisdom of those who have gone before us. While human knowledge is limited, the experiences and teachings of past generations can offer valuable insights.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>In the face of suffering and uncertainty, trust in God's greater plan. Even when we do not understand, we can have faith that God is just and His purposes are good.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seek_eternal_perspective.htm">Seek Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>Focus on what is eternal rather than temporary. Our lives are but a shadow, and we should prioritize our relationship with God and eternal truths.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_14_1-2_conflict_with_promises.htm">Does Job 14:1-2's portrayal of life as short and full of trouble conflict with biblical passages that promise long life and blessings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_job_9_8's_sea-walking_metaphorical.htm">Job 9:8 portrays God walking on the sea, yet there is no historical or scientific evidence of such a literal phenomenon--should this be seen as metaphorical?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_bildad's_divine_justice_view.htm">In Job 8:8-10, Bildad appeals to ancient tradition and forefathers' wisdom; is there any historical or archaeological evidence to support his understanding of divine justice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_5_17's_view_on_suffering_contradict_other_scriptures.htm">In Job 5:17, why is suffering portrayed as proof of divine discipline, and does this contradict other scriptures where suffering occurs without such a cause?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For we are but of yesterday</span>. "We," <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "of the present generation, old men though we may be, are but of yesterday; our experience is as nothing compared with the long, long experience of the past centuries, wherein the men of old "hived wisdom with each studious year," not, like ourselves, hurried and pressed by the shortness of the term to which life is now reduced, but having ample time for reflection and consideration in their long lives of five, six, seven, centuries (<a href="/genesis/11-10.htm">Genesis 11:10-17</a>), which enabled them to give their attention to everything in its turn, and to exhaust all the experiences that human life has to offer. <span class="cmt_word">And</span> <span class="cmt_word">know nothing</span>; <span class="accented">i.e.</span> comparatively. Sir Isaac Newton said that he felt like a child gathering shells upon the seashore, while the great ocean of truth lay unexplored before him. <span class="cmt_word">Because our days upon earth are a shadow</span> (comp. <a href="/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2</a>; <a href="/psalms/102-11.htm">Psalm 102:11</a>; <a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6</a>). So brief and fleeting that they can scarcely be called a reality. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/8-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">we [were born]</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲ֭נַחְנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·naḥ·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> </span><span class="str2">We</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yesterday</span><br /><span class="heb">תְמ֣וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(ṯə·mō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8543.htm">Strong's 8543: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ago, a, time since, yesterday, day before yesterday</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and know</span><br /><span class="heb">נֵדָ֑ע</span> <span class="translit">(nê·ḏā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> </span><span class="str2">To know</span><br /><br /><span class="word">nothing;</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">our days</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמֵ֣ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mê·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲלֵי־</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·lê-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">earth</span><br /><span class="heb">אָֽרֶץ׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ā·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are but a shadow.</span><br /><span class="heb">צֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(ṣêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6738.htm">Strong's 6738: </a> </span><span class="str2">A shadow</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/8-9.htm">OT Poetry: Job 8:9 For we are but of yesterday (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/8-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 8:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 8:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/8-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 8:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 8:10" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>